Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

The JPL Communications, Tracking and Radar Division performs scientific investigations, advanced technology research, engineering developments and system implementations encompassing space telecommunications, tracking and active remote sensing using electromagnetic waves.

The Flight Communications Systems Section (337) develops, delivers and supports Software Defined Radios (SDRs), spacecraft and airborne antennas, RF power amplifiers, and related products for RF system applications including radars, radio science instruments, and GPS tracking sensors.

JPL’s Flight Communications Systems Section is looking for an RF Microwave Engineer V to join their Spacecraft Transmitter Systems Group. As a member of this group, you will report to the Group Supervisor within the Flight Communications Systems Section.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, document, test, and deliver spacecraft RF assemblies (filters, SSPAs, PLLs, pre-amps) for use with spaceflight telecom subsystems.
Participate in the design and development of new types of RF components to increase efficiency, reduce size and mass.
Familiar with schedule, design, and coordination of test plans for RF assemblies .
Train and mentor support engineers in RF packaging techniques and practices.
Generating (or reviewing) worst case analyses, parts selection and parts stress analysis, manufacturing documentation, and test procedures.
Prepare and present material at design reviews.
Design and develop circuits used in electronic devices.
Responsible for integrated circuit or printed wire board design, device evaluation and characterization, circuit analysis, test and support equipment design, prototype construction and checkout.
Design electronics subsystems and system architecture and develop requirements and specifications.
Develop advanced technology for use in electronics components and systems.
Prepare test methods and specifications; analyze equipment to establish operating data and conduct experimental tests; provide final equipment approval, and prepare documentation and user information.
Research, develop, design, and test electronic components, equipment, technology, systems and networks. May include specifying, designing and testing for compatibility with applicable electromagnetic environments.
Apply a wide-ranging experience and advanced knowledge in the field to derive and document assembly level engineering requirements, specifications and interface definitions.
Partner with other engineers, project personnel and management to design and develop highly complex and critical electronics system architectures.
Lead the development of highly complex and critical digital and/or analog circuit boards and assemblies.
Apply extensive and wide-ranging application experience to prepare significant requirements documents, interface agreements, verification and validation (V&V) plans, and risk mitigation plans and executes V&V plan.
Lead subsystem and system level test and verification teams

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline with typically a minimum of 12 years of related experience, a Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 10 years of related experience, or a Ph.D. in similar disciplines with a minimum of 8 years related experience.
Extensive experience in RF circuit design for space flight missions.
Demonstrated experience in space flight hardware design with the ability design and solve technical problems in the area of RF circuit design.
Serves as expert in field and leads the development of highly complex and unique RF system architectures e.g. expert on vacuum-based amplifiers such as Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTAs) and Extended Interaction Klystrons (EIKs) for both remote-sensing radar and deep-space telecom applications.
Extensive experience in the development of spaceflight hardware including the documentation and evaluation involved in delivering space flight electronic hardware; the ability to perform worst-case analysis, parts stress analysis and single event transient analysis on this hardware.
Highly versed in the analysis of high-power RF systems and on reviewing multipaction analyses
Proven ability to apply multidisciplinary and in-depth expertise to lead the design of RF components and circuits that extend the boundaries of achievement in discipline
Demonstrated experience for integrated system description that includes multiple sub-systems and authors proposal sections on proposals or Concept Study Report (CSR) Development
Proven ability to work in a team environment along with previous demonstrated experience leading and mentoring junior engineers.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills

Desired Skills

Extensive contract technical management experience
Extensive experience leading spacecraft electronic hardware development projects and managing contracts for spacecraft hardware.
Computer and analytical skills necessary for RF circuit design (AWR Microwave Office, ADS, PSpice)
Have experience with printed circuit board programs (OrCAD, Altium Designer), and experience with taking circuit analysis through design, build and test.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.

We're sorry… the job you are trying to apply for has been filled.